Welsh firefighters join 24 hour strike amid ongoing row over pensions

The action as the World Cup begins sees fire chiefs urging people against late night cooking

Firefighters have gone on strike across Wales in their dispute over pensions

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Firefighters have walked out for the longest stoppage in their three-year campaign against controversial changes to their pensions.

Members of the Fire Brigades Union (FBU) in England and Wales will strike for 24 hours until 9am tomorrow.

The action coincides with the start of the World Cup, which has led fire chiefs to urge people not to cook late night meals after watching football on the TV for fear of starting fires in the kitchen.

Another strike will be held on June 22, with the FBU saying it is determined to continue with its campaign.

General secretary Matt Wrack challenged UK Government Fire Minister Brandon Lewis to take part in a televised debate on the proposals, which the union says are "unworkable, unaffordable and unfair".

The Welsh Government, which controls the firefighters’ pension pot here, has previously said it's committed to pensions that are “affordable, sustainable and fair to all public service workers”.

South Wales Fire Service's assistant chief fire officer, Rod Hammerton, said: “ During these periods we urge our communities to be extra vigilant as they go about their business. During strikes we will continue to provide fire cover but it will not be anywhere near the normal levels.

"The first period of industrial action commencing June 12 is for a 24-hour period which has the potential to stretch resources even further, but the public can be assured life critical incidents will be responded to as a priority ”.

Mid and West Wales Fire Service's assistant chief fire officer Rob Quin said: “It is particularly important to remember to turn off any electrical appliances and extinguish any candles or cigarettes before going to bed.”

North Wales Fire Service said they expected the number of their staff to take part in the dispute to be "high".

A statement read: "This will mean a reduction in the resources that the fire and rescue service has at its disposal and, as a consequence, the service will not be able to provide the same high level of response to fires and other emergencies that it normally would."